(a)

1. (1) The department and the design professional should be aware of differences between private work and work performed for the state.

2. (2) Failure to comprehend these basic differences in rules and policies can result in:

   1. (A) Costly disputes;
   2. (B) Protest;
   3. (C) Claims; and
   4. (D) Document resubmittals.
3. (3) The design professional should become familiar with these differences, which include but are not limited to the following areas.

(b)

1. (1) Since the knowledge and experience of the contractors bidding on the project is unknown, drawings and specifications requirements shall be clear as to the intent of the work.

2. (2) The plans and specifications must be:

   1. (A) Clear;
   2. (B) Concise; and
   3. (C) Provide thorough detailing of existing and new construction.

(c)

1. (1) Sections, details, and dimensions must be in sufficient quantity, clarity, and detail to allow the bidder to understand what is expected, to make takeoffs of material types and quantities, and, once hired, to prepare shop drawings and execute the construction.

2. (2) This particularly applies to:

   1. (A) Stairs;
   2. (B) Special connections for framing;
   3. (C) Typical details of system interfaces;
   4. (D) Flashing for roofs;
   5. (E) Walls; and
   6. (F) Similar building features.

(d)

1. (1) Details should clearly distinguish between existing and new construction.
2. (2) The drawings must also clearly show the beginning and the ending point of demolition requirements.

(e)

1. (1) The project design is solely the responsibility of the design professional.
2. (2) Specifications requiring the contractor to provide engineering design are not acceptable unless the products specified for contractor design are closed-engineering systems.

3. (3) Closed-engineering systems may include:

   1. (A) Preengineered metal buildings;
   2. (B) Elevated water storage tanks;
   3. (C) Prefabricated trusses;
   4. (D) Post tensioned structural concrete slabs;
   5. (E) Precast concrete systems; and
   6. (F) Common steel structural connections.
4. (4) Other systems can be classified as closed-engineering systems if approved in writing by the State Engineer.
5. (5) When closed-engineering system specifications are used, the design professional shall include the requirement for such system’s designs to be stamped by a professional engineer duly licensed to practice in the state pursuant to Arkansas Code § 22-9-101 et seq.
6. (6) Closed-engineering system shop drawings shall be submitted through the design professional to the engineer of record for review and approval for incorporation into the overall project design.

(f)

1. (1) To encourage competition required in the expenditure of public funds, performance specifications that define a desired result or assembly are strongly preferred.
2. (2) If performance specifications are not practical and a manufactured product must be used to define a desired result of assembly, then at least three (3) manufacturers and three (3) products should be referenced.

3. (3) Do not reference both manufactured products and performance criteria because conflicts in the performance criteria and the product performance may create ambiguity and result in the misapplication of a:

   1. (A) Product;
   2. (B) Protest; or
   3. (C) Claim.